Days before Apple is scheduled to debut OS X 10.11 El Capitan, the company on Monday issued the first public beta version of its upcoming OS X 10.11.1 El Capitan maintenance update to those participating in the program.

The public beta comes less than one week after Apple released a version for developer testing that included support for new emoji characters and improved overall system stability. Release notes attached to today's build note the same improvements.

Apple will release is next-generation Mac operating system on Sept. 30 with a selection of new features including Split View, a revamped Mission Control and various performance improvements.

Members of Apple's public beta program can access the OS X 10.11.1 beta via Software Update. Those interested in signing up to test the latest OS X and iOS operating system can do so on Apple's website.